Leadership Susquehanna Valley              August 2008 E-Newsletter

Letter From the President

Ryan Unger

As we approach the Labor Day holiday it allows us the opportunity to take a day and reflect on the hard work we have all put in over the last year.   This first Monday has also historically signified the end of summer.  And while our vacations are winding down, the program year for Leadership Susquehanna Valley is just beginning. 

With a recent revision to our bylaws, our officer and board terms, fiscal year and program year are all running July 1 – June 30.  This past July I began my first term as LSV president, with the assumption of this responsibility Kristen Moyer ended her 18 months leading LSV.   We all owe Kristen a debt of gratitude as she provided steady guidance for our organization throughout her term.

Our 2008 officers include: Megan Dugan – vice president; Jeff Hollenbach – secretary; and Jessica Brazier – treasurer.  I feel confident that these members of executive committee will help us move our organization forward and we are all excited to engage in our 2008-09 program year.

With a new program year, comes new opportunities to participate and play a part in the future of LSV.  If you are interested in working on any of our committees - alumni, development, or program - contact our Executive Director Dave Hall at dhall@gsvcc.org. 

As you relax this Labor Day, take a second to look back on all of your hard work through 2008….and think of the difference you can make in tomorrow’s leaders by volunteering some of your time with LSV.

Letter From the Executive Director

Dave Hall

As I write this, the Class of 2009 officially starts in two days with orientation. We have 32 in this year’s class, representing 27 businesses.  There are 12 men and 20 women from several different industry and commercial sectors and six not-for-profits.  While I will not divulge age statistics, there appears to be a considerable range there as well.  All in all there should be some lively discussions if their bios and résumés are any indication.

On the academic side, the program committee has asked for some additional rigor with a writing assignment following each program day.  We will also institute a leadership segment with each program day based upon the interests of the class.

Financially, LSV is in better shape than it has been in some time with an aggressive sponsorship effort, which helps keep the program costs down and has allowed us to keep the tuition far below subscriptions for comparable programs around the nation.

As alumni, you are always welcome during program days which are still the third Thursday of each month from October through May.  Just give me a heads up so I can order your lunch.  If you have an interest in serving on the Board or getting involved in a committee please let me know as, like any organization, we can always use your talents and enthusiasm. 

LSV Class of 2008-2009 Begins its Journey

Jennifer Daddario

On Aug. 21, an orientation was held for the incoming Leadership Susquehanna Valley Class at the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Center in Shamokin Dam. 

Thirty-two participants from 25 different organizations throughout the Valley have signed up for this year’s program; one of the largest in five years.  From a basketball coach to a guitar player to a genealogist, this year’s class brings a lot of individuality and creativity to the table.  

During orientation, the class networked with one another, taking the time to learn more than just each other’s names.  Ryan Unger, LSV’s incoming president, presented an overview of the program and gave the participants a taste of what is to come.

Class Representative Joe Kantz, Leadership Susquehanna Valley Class of 2008, shared with the new class his experience and personal highlights of the program.

Graduation for the class of 2009, upon completion of the program, will be held Thursday, June 18, 2009.

Alumni Committee News

Are you a social butterfly?

If so, then the LSV Alumni Committee has a new committee for you, the Alumni Social Committee.

Currently, the Alumni Committee is looking for one member from each class to join the Social Committee. This person would communicate LSV news and events to his/her fellow classmates. He/she would also be responsible for getting his/her class to sponsor one event per year.

The Social Committee will create events such as picnics, trips and outdoor activities.

Interested? Please contact Patty Bennett at 570-286-5671 or at pbennett@dailyitem.com.

Sponsorship Updates

2008-2009 Secured Sponsorships

Retreat – PPL Electric Utilities

October Program Day Lunch – CSG Bakery

January Program Day & Lunch – SUN Area Career & Technology

February Program Day – Wood-Mode Inc.

March Program Day – Thermal Product Solutions

April Program Day Lunch – Allenwood Prison

Directory – Susquehanna Bank

Class Award – Penn State Continuing Education

See available sponsorships now!